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Ex-Otley girl in The Apprentice TV show
Former Otley resident Helene Speight is one of the contestants facing business guru Sir Alan Sugar in the new series of The Apprentice.
Helene, 32, a former pupil of Prince Henry's in Otley, appeared on television last night during the launch of the fourth series of the gripping reality show.
The Global Pricing Leader, who now lives in Wakefield, is competing against 15 other ambitious contestants all ready to battle it out to win a six-figure salary job with the gruff tycoon.
She has been joined in the female contingent of the show by a single mother, a champion showjumper, a descendant of African Royalty and a retail buyer known as the Rottweiller' due to her habit of gripping on to what she wants and refusing to let go.
The men are equally ambitious and include a barrister, a property developer a bank manager and a former debating champion to name a few.
During her quest to win the Apprentice, Helene, who works for General Electric, faces a series of boardroom showdowns with Sir Alan - who is known for his ruthless decision making.
Helene, who left school at 16, used to live at 50 St David's Road in Otley.
The 6ft tomboy, who loves playing football, began her working life as an admin assistant in insurance before spells as a recruitment consultant, performance analyst in telesales and in I.T. related fields.
In her Apprentice profile, Helene, who has nine GCSEs, says she dislikes jealous women, bullying and incompetence and believes her ability to be decisive, inclusive and influential in the workplace will see her triumph on the show.
She said: "I expect nothing on a plate and am prepared to come out of my comfort zone to get ahead."
Helene was picked from more than 20,000 hopefuls.
Neighbour Jill Cannon, 47, who lives at number 54 St David's Road, said: "I remember Helene - she was a lovely girl and her mum was very proud of her and her sister.
"I think her sister Carolyne was in the police force and I often used to see them around when they lived here.
"It was a long time ago that the family moved away but I will definitely be cheering her on and it's lovely to hear that a local girl is doing so well.
"I will make sure that I watch every episode and I really hope that she wins. It's been at least ten years since they left but I do remember the family and I'm delighted for them."
8:32am Thursday 27th March 2008
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